Press Statement by President of the Republic of Indonesia After Rice Harvest Inspection, Ciasem Village, Subang Regency, West Java Province, October 8, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, in one year, we usually have a large harvest in the first semester because the grand harvest usually takes place in March-April. Then in the second semester, it drops. Well, the IP [Planting Index] here scores IP2 [Planting Index 2] and I am glad to see the result. I think this is one hectare [of rice field]. How many tons [of rice] can it yield, Sir?
(nine [tons], Sir)
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It can yield nine tons [of rice] and I see it is very productive. And we hope that these harvests can increase our rice supply. However, it is still not enough so by the end of this year, we still need to add approximately 1.5 million tons [of rice] to the 1.7 million tons of rice supply that Bulog (the State Logistics Agency) currently has.
Journalists
Sir, what about the drought caused by El Nino right now?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That’s the problem. That’s why we need to add 1.5 million tons [of rice] to our rice supply because El Nino brings an impact on [our rice] production and the existing harvests.
Journalists
Will this field be used as a model for other areas?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, this one in Subang regency is good and maybe next week I want to see the other one in Indramayu because the harvest there looks even larger. But once again, because of El Nino, [our rice] production continues to decrease and drop. But it’s still okay because our rice supply currently held by Bulog is still abundant, amounting to 1.7 million tons.
Journalists
Is there anything that the farmers said to you, Sir? Like a complaint or a request, perhaps?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The farmers are happy because the prices of unhusked rice are high. The prices vary from Rp7,300 to Rp7,600 per kilogram. How can’t they be happy? While the farmers are happy, the rice buyers are not. We have to tackle this problem by supplying and distributing as much rice as possible to the market to lower the prices. Meanwhile in Cipinang, the prices have fallen. But we also hope that the prices for consumers will also fall as the prices in market have already fallen.
Journalists
Sir, did you discuss anything else?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Other issues?
Journalists
You want to meet Mr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo (Mr. SYL, Minister of Agriculture) today. Will you meet him tonight or when?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, tonight.
Journalists
What will you discuss tonight, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I don’t know for sure. We haven’t yet met so how am I supposed to know [what we will discuss]?
Journalists
Will your discussion be disclosed to the media, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, it’s okay.
Journalists
Sir, will the one who will replace Mr. SYL come from a political party or will they be a non-political one?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have appointed Mr. Arief Acting Minister of Agriculture.
Journalists
Who will be the definitive Minister, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We will decide on it later. Anyway, Mr. Arief already oversees [agricultural affairs].
(TM/EP)